Environmental Studies stresses the understanding of the connections between environmental
issues, the social and natural sciences, and the humanities.
About This Program
This interdisciplinary major is well suited for those who desire to pursue careers
in a variety of environmental disciplines, namely, those who would like to be proficient
in natural and physical sciences, as well as have an awareness of the human dimensions
of environmental issues, such as cultural, social, and political considerations and
impacts.
This program is designed for students passionate about contributing to environmental
planning and analysis within business, industry, or government sectors. Additionally,
it lays a solid educational foundation for those aspiring to pursue advanced degrees
in law or business.
Our program offers a hands-on approach, enabling students to explore major issues
related to sustainable development, air and water pollution, and hazardous substances.
Dive into topics such as groundwater protection, wetlands, solid waste disposal, pollution
prevention, toxic land contamination, and wastewater treatment, addressing the multifaceted
challenges of environmental studies.
Tailor your studies with specialized sequences in Environmental Planning and Sustainable
Development or Environmental Management, providing a focused and enriched learning
experience.
Environmental Studies, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies requires 120 semester hours to complete.
The BA in Environmental Studies Degree Program is intended for those students who
plan to graduate in the area of environmental policy or in a non-scientific field.
This program is designed for students passionate about contributing to environmental
planning and analysis within business, industry, or government sectors. Additionally,
it lays a solid educational foundation for those aspiring to pursue advanced degrees
in law or business.
With a more curricular focus on the social sciences and humanities than the B.S. Degree, career paths for our B.A. graduates can include opportunities that deal with social,
cultural, political, and economic issues such as policy, planning, law, journalism,
green business, and consulting.
No grade below “C” will be accepted inanymajor course
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the complex interactions
between human societies and the natural environment. This field integrates social
sciences, humanities, and natural sciences knowledge to address pressing environmental
issues. Students in this program typically explore subjects such as environmental
policy, ethics, sustainable development, and the socio-economic impacts of environmental
decisions.
Graduates majoring in Environmental Studies are often passionate about advocacy, community
engagement, and sustainability. They are well-prepared to tackle roles that require
a deep understanding of both scientific principles and the human dimensions of environmental
challenges, making them valuable assets in sectors ranging from government and nonprofit
organizations to private industry and education.
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Environmental Studies Careers
Embarking on a degree in environmental studies opens doors to diverse and fulfilling
career opportunities. Graduates are equipped with skills highly sought after in emerging
industries, particularly those bridging the gap between science and policy. As leaders
in their communities, students contribute to protecting, restoring, and sustaining
environmental quality.
Career Opportunities:
• Environmental protection agencies at all government levels • Nonprofit environmental advocacy organizations • Environmental education organizations • Municipal government agencies • Regional planning and resource agencies • State and national parks and recreation areas • Private planning and environmental consulting firms • Law offices • Private industry
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Environmental Studies Employment Expectations
Employment for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 7 percent
from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven
by increasing public interest in environmental issues and the need for professionals
to address these challenges.
Approximately 8,500 job openings are expected each year, arising from new positions
and the need to replace workers transitioning to other roles or retiring. Career paths
for graduates include Environmental Policy Analyst, Sustainability Coordinator, Environmental
Educator, Community Outreach Specialist, and Environmental Consultant.
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $78,980 in
May 2023, with salaries ranging from $48,580 to over $133,660. This highlights the
strong potential for rewarding and lucrative careers in the field.
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Environmental Studies Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q: What kind of hands-on experiences can I expect in the Environmental Studies program? A: Students can expect a range of hands-on experiences, including internships, research
projects, fieldwork, and community engagement opportunities. These practical experiences
are designed to complement the academic curriculum, providing real-world applications
of classroom knowledge and preparing students for their future careers.
Q: How does the Environmental Studies program integrate interdisciplinary approaches? A: The Environmental Studies program integrates interdisciplinary approaches by combining
courses and methodologies from social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
This allows students to understand environmental issues holistically, examining them
from multiple perspectives, such as policy, ethics, economics, and scientific analysis.
This interdisciplinary approach equips students with diverse skills to tackle complex
environmental challenges.
Q: What support services are available to help Environmental Studies students succeed
academically and professionally? A: Florida A&M University’s School of the Environment offers various support services
to help Environmental Studies students succeed. These include academic advising, career
counseling, tutoring services, and opportunities for professional development, such
as workshops and networking events. Additionally, students can access resources for
internships, scholarships, and research opportunities, ensuring they have the support
needed to achieve their academic and career goals.
Your map to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies Degree
You will experience state of the art research facilities housed in approximately 6,000
square feet of space in the Humphries Science Research Center. Instruments available
to both faculty and students in this facility include ICP/OES, GC/MS, HPLC, AA, and
high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy with fiber optic access to the internet. In
addition, the School houses a GIS computer laboratory with high performance computers
and high speed internet access. Laboratory equipment is continuously upgraded and
replaced to maintain our cutting-edge status.
The School offers eligible students support through scholarships and work-study assistantships.
Students also have opportunities for internships in industry, state, and federal laboratories.
